ES2735298A1 - COMPACT PHOTOCATALYTIC DEGRADATION EQUIPMENT OF PHYTOSANITARY WASTE (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) - Google Patents

Abstract

Compact equipment for photocatalytic degradation of phytosanitary residues, for effluents from the cleaning of phytosanitary treatments, comprising means for collecting the effluent and a support structure (3) inside which includes the treatment tank (1) and the reactor (2), connected by means of a closed circuit (4) with a first pump (B1), an accumulator tank (5) connected to the effluent collection means, and to the treatment tank (1), a heat exchanger device (6) in parallel to the closed circuit (4), a blower pump (BS) connected to the treatment tank (1), a bed filtering device (7) and, automatic control means connected to the equipment components, where the source of UV radiation is formed by solar energy and the reactor (2) is arranged in a frame (8) in the upper area of the support structure (3) that allows its exposure to it. (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)

Description

DESCRIPTION

Compact equipment for photocatalytic degradation of phytosanitary waste

Technical Field of the Invention

The present invention corresponds to the technical field of the treatment of phytosanitary residues, such as pesticides and pesticides, and emerging pollutants in general and in particular to waste of this type contained in the cleaning waters of all types of machinery that performs or has performed phytosanitary treatments

Background of the Invention

At present there is a need to control the discharge of pollutants to nature to preserve the environment and prevent its degradation and the impact that this has on the living beings that inhabit it.

Among the many types of pollutants that exist, phytosanitary products stand out, because they are products that are used effectively for the control of pests in crops, so that on the one hand they are necessary but, used without due control, they can generate other effects not desirable that can become dangerous for human health, and for the environment, including wild flora and fauna.

One way to pollute that we see daily in parks, gardens, and agriculture in general, is the accidental or involuntary dumping of these pesticides and their remains into our soils, which, due to rain and irrigation, are displaced to other levels and end up contaminating the waters of channels, fountains, wells, rivers, seas, etc.

The human being has always thought that rivers, lagoons and seas act as natural water purifiers, capable of degrading and disappearing many compounds that reach them. The reality is that for this, the microfauna of the ecosystem and photolysis (which makes a fragmentation of molecules using light) are naturally combined and that occurs through the incident solar radiation that reaches these waters.

It is also known that over the last decades the number of rivers, lagoons and oceans polluted has increased exponentially due to the spills that reach them. In these cases, it is of priority interest to consider the possibility of applying alternative treatments, one of them solar photocatalysis, highly efficient in the degradation of chemicals present, in order to eliminate the contaminants present in the waters.

In general, the capacity of natural self-purification of the waters in rivers, lagoons and oceans that is appreciated in the last decades, is insufficient, and it is due to two fundamental causes, on the one hand, to the excess of polluting load that annuls said capacity of self-purification; and on the other, the presence of pollutants derived from industrial processes, whose structural complexity hinders their biodegradation, since the microfauna of a river or lagoon is not able to eliminate them. In cases like these, the possibility of applying solar photocatalysis is considered as a treatment for the elimination of contaminants present in water.

Photocatalysis is a process that is based on the direct or indirect absorption of UV radiant energy, through a material sensitive to its passage and, in the case of pollutants unable to directly absorb solar radiation, the catalysts act as intermediaries , facilitating its photochemical degradation.

Current regulations require that the necessary measures be taken in the control of phytosanitary products to prevent contamination of the aquatic environment and drinking water, as well as preserve human health and the environment.

Thus, it is vitally important to carry out a control of these products, which entails the necessary cleaning of the containers, utensils, machinery ... that are in contact with them and also, a control of the residues obtained from said cleaning process.

In this way, it is necessary to perform a degradation of agricultural pesticide residues contained in the waters from the washing of all types of machinery that performs or has performed, phytosanitary treatments to combat pests and plant diseases, such as tractors, vehicles with or without driver, vats, tanks, pumps for their application, whether or not incorporated or independent of such equipment, sowing machines, applicators in general of pesticide products, either in solid form, powder, granule, or in liquid, or gas, as well as that from washing containers of phytosanitary products, and also of the accidental spillage that could occur both in the filling of tanks or tanks, or breakdowns in the systems of application of the pesticides, and that said spills contain residues of the same.

At present, the cleaning of containers and machinery used with phytosanitary products is carried out in the same farm where the treatments are carried out, by washing the machinery and dumping the effluents formed by water and phytosanitary products, in the same land where The treatments have been performed.

This presents several drawbacks since cleaning products are mixed with the phytosanitary products and all of them can easily reach the groundwater, with the consequent contamination, so it is necessary to eliminate this practice and perform a degradation of the phytosanitary products before be able to consider the discharge of effluents to nature.

It would be necessary to propose a way to perform a degradation of the effluents resulting from the cleaning of machinery and phytosanitary containers, by means of an effective disposal system, which allows their execution in situ, to minimize the transfer and handling of them.

An option with multiple advantages is the proposed photocatalysis application, since it does not generate waste sludge and uses a clean energy source.

One drawback is that the current photocatalytic degradation plants are located in power plants, so the machinery to be decontaminated should be moved to them, which entails technical and economic inconveniences, since the transfer of certain machinery is not feasible and in addition these transfers involve the possible contamination of operators and the means of transport.

The other option is to carry out the washing in situ, on the grounds where the treatment has been carried out, and then transfer the resulting effluents to a disinfection plant, but this implies possible effluent discharges when washing on the grounds and again a contamination of new containers for transport.

In addition, existing equipment currently has the disadvantage of using UV radiation lamps that are very expensive and have a high consumption of electrical energy for operation.

It would be convenient to devise a system that allows the application of photocatalysis in an efficient way, by means of an easy-to-use equipment that allows its use in situ, with a perfect control of the effluents. In addition, it would be necessary to be able to use solar radiation itself as a source of UV radiation, thus taking advantage of the hours of sunlight, so abundant in our latitudes.

Description of the invention

The compact equipment for photocatalytic degradation of phytosanitary waste, for effluents from the cleaning of phytosanitary treatment machinery presented here, comprises an effluent treatment tank using at least one catalyst, a photocatalytic reactor connected to the previous one, which has sensitive tubes to UV radiation and a source of UV radiation incident on them.

This compact equipment comprises means for collecting the effluent and, a support structure inside which are the treatment tank and the photocatalytic reactor, both connected through a closed circuit that has a first pump.

In addition, it comprises, within said support structure, an accumulator tank of the effluent, connected by a first connection line to the collection means thereof. This accumulator tank is in turn connected to the treatment tank by a second connection line that has a second pump.

It also includes inside the support structure, a heat exchanger device connected in parallel to the closed circuit, a blower pump connected to the treatment tank, a bed filtering device, connected to the first connection line and, means automatic control connected to the equipment components.

This compact photocatalytic degradation equipment is further characterized in that the source of UV radiation is formed by solar energy and the photocatalytic reactor is disposed in an upper area of the support structure such that it allows exposure to it. The reactor tubes are connected in line for the circulation of the effluent inside.

With the compact equipment for photocatalytic degradation of phytosanitary waste proposed here, a significant improvement in the state of the art is obtained.

This is so because a photocatalytic degradation equipment is achieved in which it is possible to decompose these pollutants using solar energy, so available in these latitudes where we are, so that the necessary UV radiation is obtained without implying high costs of artificial lamps, or disproportionate consumption of electricity to carry them out.

Thanks to the fact that it is a compact device and that allows its displacement from one farm to another, it allows the work of degradation in situ, thus avoiding possible contamination due to the transfer of machinery and phytosanitary containers and also, it can be used The same team shared for several farms, reducing the costs of the process.

In each farm, the equipment is placed in a very sunny area separated from buildings, trees or other elements that may cause shadows on it. In addition, the photocatalytic reactor is located on a frame attached to the support structure that has means for regulating its position, so that it is possible to orient the reactor so that the greatest possible amount of solar radiation falls on it, according to the place where it is placed.

As the cleaning is also carried out in a controlled way, possible accidental spillages are avoided, since the equipment is directly connected to the cleaning means, so that the effluents resulting from it will directly stop the degradation equipment for treatment.

It also presents the possibility of recovery of the catalysts, for their reuse, and thus achieve a closed operating cycle.

This equipment can be used in farms, both in intensive outdoor agriculture and fruit trees, as well as in greenhouse cultivation, resulting in an effective system in all cases.

With this equipment, a decontaminated effluent is obtained and free of chemical load, which allows it to be used in the irrigation system of the farm where the waste originates, being in full accordance with current regulations, in which it is protect the aquatic environment, drinking water, as well as human health and the environment.

It is therefore a simple solar photocatalytic degradation equipment, with a low maintenance and energy cost, since only small pumps that circulate water inside the equipment and for washing processes are necessary.

Brief description of the drawings

In order to help a better understanding of the features of the invention, according to a preferred example of practical implementation thereof, an integral part of said description is provided, a series of drawings where, for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, represented the following:

Figure 1 shows a diagram of the compact equipment for photocatalytic degradation of phytosanitary waste, for a first preferred embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2.- Shows a profile view of the support structure and the components contained therein, of the compact equipment for photocatalytic degradation of phytosanitary waste, for a first preferred embodiment of the invention.

Figure 3.- Shows a front perspective view of the support structure and the components contained therein, of the compact equipment for photocatalytic degradation of phytosanitary residues, for a first preferred embodiment of the invention.

Figure 4.- Shows a dorsal perspective view of the support structure and the components contained therein, of the compact equipment for photocatalytic degradation of phytosanitary residues, for a first preferred embodiment of the invention.

Figure 5.- Shows a diagram of the compact equipment for photocatalytic degradation of phytosanitary residues, for a second preferred embodiment of the invention.

Figure 6 shows a dorsal perspective view of the support structure and the components contained therein, of the compact equipment for photocatalytic degradation of phytosanitary residues, for a second preferred embodiment of the invention.

Detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention

In view of the figures provided, it can be seen that in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the compact equipment for photocatalytic degradation of phytosanitary waste, for effluents from the cleaning of plant protection machinery proposed here, comprises a reservoir of treatment (1) of the effluent by at least one catalyst, a photocatalytic reactor (2) connected to the previous one, which has tubes (2.1) sensitive to UV radiation and a source of UV radiation incident thereon.

This equipment has means for collecting the effluent and, as shown in Figures 2, 3 and 4, it also includes a support structure (3) inside which contains the treatment tank (1) and the photocatalytic reactor (2), both connected through a closed circuit (4) that has a first pump (B1).

Inside the support structure (3) it also comprises an accumulator tank (5) which, as can be seen in Figure 1, is connected by a first line (L1) of connection to the effluent collection means, and by a second connection line (L2) that has a second pump (B2), is in turn connected to the treatment tank (1).

The support structure (3) also comprises in its interior a heat exchanger device (6) connected in parallel to the closed circuit (4), a blower pump (BS) connected to the treatment tank (1), a filtering device of bed (7), connected to the first connection line (L1) and, automatic control means connected to the equipment components.

In this first preferred embodiment of the invention, the automatic control means are formed by a programmable logic controller (21) (PLC).

The UV radiation source of this photocatalytic degradation equipment is formed by solar energy and the photocatalytic reactor (2) is arranged in a frame (8) attached to the area upper of the support structure (3) such that it allows direct exposure to solar radiation, where the tubes (2.1) are connected in line for the circulation of the effluent through its interior.

In this first preferred embodiment of the invention, as shown in Figure 1, the frame (8) to the support structure (3) comprises means for regulating the position thereof with respect to said support structure. Thus, in said Figure 1, the reactor is shown with a certain inclination with respect to the rest of the support structure, to look for the greatest angle of incidence of solar radiation.

In this first preferred embodiment of the invention, a biodegradable catalyst is used in the treatment tank (1) so that it is not necessary to recover it, but in other embodiments other catalysts can be used that do make recovery essential. in order to continue using it in the process.

Thus, and by way of example, a second preferred embodiment of the invention is proposed, which is shown in Figures 5 and 6, in which a non-degradable catalyst is used, so that its recovery in the process is necessary. catalytic.

In said second preferred embodiment of the invention, as can be seen in said Figures 5 and 6, the equipment comprises means for recovering at least one catalyst used in the treatment tank (1), formed by a filtering device of the catalyst (9) connected by a third line (L3) connecting to the treatment tank (1) and, by a cleaning tank (10), connected to said catalyst filtering device (9) by a third pump (B3) .

With regard to the first preferred embodiment of the invention, the effluent collection means are formed by a waterproofing washing platform (11) and at least a first settling chamber (12.1) comprising a fourth pump (B4) in its interior.

As shown in Figure 1, in this first embodiment, said collection means further comprise a second case (12.2), arranged adjacent to the first case (12.1) and connected thereto by overflow in the part upper of both, where the second casket (12.2) is connected to the washing platform (11) through a grid or a siphon (13) for collecting the washing effluent located in a smaller area The level of said platform (11) and the first box (12.1) is connected to the accumulator tank (5) by means of the fourth pump (B4) and comprises inside a level buoy (14) connected to the automatic control means.

Likewise, in this first preferred embodiment of the invention, the second case (12.2) comprises a removable inner compartment (15), arranged at a height above the bottom thereof and connected by overflow with the rest of the interior space of the second case (12.2), where the connection of said second case (12.2) with the grid or the siphon (13) of the waterproofed washing platform (11) is carried out through said interior compartment (15).

On the other hand, in order to avoid leaks or leaks of the effluent, in this first embodiment the waterproofed washing platform (11) comprises lateral protections thereof.

In this platform (11) the water filling process of the tanks, tanks, containers ... is carried out so that if any leakage or due to occur in the work of preparation of the broth that will be used in the treatment equipment to the foam produced by many of these products, there would be an overflow of the tank in which the mixture is made, the waterproof platform (11) collects through the grid or the siphon (13) the product that can fall as a result of said overflow.

Likewise, the water resulting from the rinsing of the containers and the water from the washing of the equipment used in the application of the treatment is collected by means of said grid or the siphon (13) and is carried to the second casket (12.2) in which the effluent it reaches the removable inner compartment (15) by which the thickest particles, which are retained therein, are separated from the rest of the effluent that overflows into the rest of the second casket (12.2). When the inner compartment (15) is filled, it is removed from the second casket (12.2) and the coarse particles are dispersed along the floor of the plot.

When the effluent of the second casket (12.2) reaches its maximum level, it communicates with the first casket (12.1), with a decantation of the effluent so that the thickest particles are settled in the second casket (12.2) and the most part liquid overflows to the first casket (12.1).

The effluent resulting from the settling of both first and second boxes (12.1, 12.2) is sent by the fourth pump (B4) to the accumulator tank (5) through the first connection line (L1). The level buoy (14) existing in the first box (12.1), sends the information to the automatic control means, which activate the start or stop order of the fourth pump (B4).

In this first preferred embodiment of the invention, prior to sending the effluent to the accumulator tank (5), it passes through a bed filtering device (7), to retain most of particles such as sands, silts and clays. in suspension.

As shown in Figure 1, the degradation equipment of this first preferred embodiment of the invention comprises cleaning means of said bed filtering device (7) for those cases in which it is clogged. These cleaning means are formed by a fourth line (L4) connecting the bed filtering device (7) to the second line (L2) connecting at an intermediate point thereof, by means of a series of controlled solenoid valves (16) by means of the automatic control means to generate an investment of the flow.

Thus, in this embodiment, the cleaning means take the water from the accumulator tank (5), although in other embodiments it can be taken from an additional tank installed for this purpose. Then, the water resulting from the cleaning is sent back to the first cassette (12.1), for a decantation of it and so that volume of liquid starts the degradation cycle.

In this first preferred embodiment of the invention, the accumulator tank (5) comprises two emptying and filling probes (17.1, 17.2), also controlled by the automatic control means to start the solar photocatalysis, depending on whether there is or not effluent in said accumulator tank (5). In this way, as effluent is stored in it, these emptying and filling probes (17.1, 17.2) send the information to the control means that, from a filling level gives the order to start the second pump ( B2), which sends the effluent to the treatment tank (1) through the second connection line (L2).

In this first embodiment, as already indicated, the equipment has a single accumulator tank (5) inside the support structure (3) for the storage of the effluent, but in other embodiments in which the volume of effluent so what requires, the equipment comprises another additional storage tank external to the support structure (3) and connected to the storage tank (5) to increase the storage capacity of the equipment.

The treatment tank (1) is connected to a blower pump (BS) that performs the aeration of the effluent by bubbling, optimizing the decontamination process. In this treatment tank (1) the at least one catalyst is added, to accelerate the chemical evolution process. Said at least one catalyst is added in the proportion necessary so that, together with the solar catalytic process, the phytosanitary existing in the effluent is catalyzed.

In this first preferred embodiment of the invention, the treatment tank (1), like the accumulator tank (5), comprises emptying and filling probes (18.1, 18.2) respectively, controlled by the automatic control means, while the reactor (2) comprises a measuring probe (not shown in the Figures) of watts of energy also connected to said automatic control means. Thus, depending on the level values reported by said probes, the automatic control means initiate the discharge of the effluent from the treatment tank (1) to the reactor (2) in a closed recirculation circuit (4) that ends when The measurement probe in the reactor (2) indicates that the process has been completed, when an accumulation of watts of radiation determined in said probe is reached.

The recirculation in the closed circuit (4) increases the effluent temperature considerably. In this first preferred embodiment, the closed circuit (4) comprises a thermostat (19) connected to the automatic control means, so that said thermostat (19) measures the temperature of the effluent in its circulation through the closed circuit (4 ) and when it reaches a certain temperature value, the automatic control means activates the passage of the effluent through the heat exchanger device (6), which cools the temperature itself.

Once the process has been completed, using the electrovalves (20) existing in the closed circuit (4) and an outlet line (LS), the decontaminated fluid is evacuated to be used for irrigation.

In this first embodiment, the connection lines comprise solenoid valves, all of them connected to the automatic control means.

On the other hand, the equipment of this first preferred embodiment of the invention comprises means for moving the support structure (3) and the components of the equipment contained therein. In this case, as can be seen in Figures 2 to 4, it is a lower space between the legs of the support structure (3), which allows the introduction of the forks of a forklift, which transports the equipment from a farm to Another nearby farm.

In other embodiments, these displacement means can be formed by upper fastening hooks that allow the lifting and transport of the equipment by means suitable for it.

The described embodiments constitute only examples of the present invention, therefore, the specific details, terms and phrases used herein are not to be considered as limiting, but are only to be understood as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis that provides an understandable description as well as sufficient information to the person skilled in the art to apply the present invention.

Claims (1)

1- Compact equipment for photocatalytic degradation of phytosanitary waste, for effluents from the cleaning of phytosanitary treatment machinery, comprising a treatment tank (1) by at least one catalyst, a photocatalytic reactor (2) connected to the previous one, which presents tubes (2.1) sensitive to UV radiation and a source of incident UV radiation thereon, characterized in that it comprises means for collecting the effluent and, a support structure (3) within which it comprises the treatment tank (1) and the reactor (2), both connected through a closed circuit (4) that has a first pump (B1), an accumulator tank (5) connected by a first line (L1) connecting to the effluent collection means, where the accumulator tank (5) is in turn connected to the treatment tank (1) by means of a second connection line (L2) that has a second pump (B2), an exchange device or (6) heat connected in parallel to the closed circuit (4), a blower pump (BS) connected to the treatment tank (1), a bed filtering device (7), connected to the first line (L1) of connection and, automatic control means connected to the components of the equipment, where the source of UV radiation is formed by solar energy and the reactor (2) is arranged in a frame (8) attached to the upper area of the support structure (3) such that it allows exposure to it where the tubes (2.1) are connected in line for the circulation of the effluent inside. 2- Photocatalytic degradation equipment for pesticide residues, according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises means for recovering at least one catalyst used in the treatment tank (1), formed by a catalyst filtering device (9) connected by a third line (L3) connecting to the treatment tank (1) and, by a cleaning tank (10), connected to said catalyst filtering device (9) by a third pump (B3). 3- Photocatalytic degradation equipment for pesticide residues, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the effluent collection means are formed by a waterproofing washing platform (11) and at least a first settling chamber (12.1) comprising a fourth pump (B4) inside. 4- Photocatalytic degradation equipment for pesticide residues, according to claim 3, characterized in that the effluent collection means comprise a second casket (12.2), arranged adjacent to the first cassette (12.1) and connected thereto by overflow in the upper part of both, where the second casket (12.2) is connected to the washing platform (11) through a grid or a siphon (13) for collecting the washing effluent located in an area of lower elevation of said platform (11) and the first cassette (12.1) is connected to the accumulator tank (5) by means of the fourth pump (B4) and comprises inside a level buoy (14) connected to the control means. 5- Equipment for photocatalytic degradation of pesticide residues, according to claim 4, characterized in that the second casket (12.2) comprises a removable inner compartment (15), arranged at a height on the bottom thereof and connected by overflow with the rest of the interior space of the second case (12.2), where the connection of said second case (12.2) with the grill or the siphon (13) of the washing platform (11) is carried out through this interior compartment (15). 6- Photocatalytic degradation equipment for pesticide residues, according to any of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the washing platform (11) comprises lateral protections thereof. 7- Photocatalytic degradation equipment for pesticide residues, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the frame (8) attached to the upper area of the support structure (3) comprises means for regulating its position with respect to said structure support (3). 8- Photocatalytic degradation equipment for pesticide residues, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means of displacement of the support structure (3) and of the components of the equipment contained therein. 9. Photocatalytic degradation equipment for pesticide residues, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises cleaning means of the bed filtering device (7) connected to the automatic control means, comprising a fourth line (L4) of connection of the bed filtering device (7) to the second connection line (L2) at an intermediate point thereof, by means of a series of solenoid valves (16) controlled by the automatic control means. 10- Photocatalytic degradation equipment for pesticide residues, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the accumulator tank (5) and the treatment tank (1) comprise both emptying and filling probes (17.1, 17.2, 18.1, 18.2) respectively, controlled by the automatic control means. 11- Photocatalytic degradation equipment for pesticide residues, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a measurement probe of watts of energy located in the reactor and connected to the automatic control means. 12- Photocatalytic degradation equipment for pesticide residues, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the closed circuit (4) comprises a thermostat (19) connected to the automatic control means. 13. Photocatalytic degradation equipment for pesticide residues, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises an additional storage tank connected to the storage tank (5) to increase the storage capacity of the equipment. 14- Photocatalytic degradation equipment for pesticide residues, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection lines comprise solenoid valves, all of them connected to the automatic control means.